Maximum range of hydrophones?

[_Seth_]

I just wonder: what was the longest range german uboats could detect enemy shipping, only using their hydrophones? Was there a maximum range?:hmm:
Did the range depend on what depth the uboat operated at (thinking about different layers in the sea)?

[mookiemookie]

In SH3, that's a good question that I can't answer off the top of my head. I believe its around 10 km. Someone more knowlegeable will most likely correct me.

Real life, it depended on your hydrophone operator. From what I've read, it was around 10-20 km. Uboat.net says:

"To avoid own noises, a submarine could use underwater sound detector if her speed was up to 6 knots. If a submarine speed was 4 knots, the submarine's underwater sound detector average distance of detecting another object was: - for a destroyer- 5 to 10 nautical miles,
- for a cargo ship- 3.5 to 7.5 nautical miles,
- for a convoy- up to 50 nautical miles."

[kylania]

In Grey Wolves at least I think it's around 20-25km or so. Because I can hear a convoy before I can see it and I can see it at 16-20km or so depending on weather.

[_Seth_]

Thanx for answers, mates! :D It all seems clearer now!

[Immacolata]

Do you know if NYGM alters the hydrophone range like GW?

[_Seth_]

I think the NYGM mod is more realistic about hydrophone and sonar, but this i think the dev. teams could answer better than me.. :D